Thursday, July 14, 2005

Quaker History/Business/Bowne, Robert

Stationer - In 1755, the Quaker Robert Bowne established the first printer-stationer in New York, selling writing paper, quills, books, printing materials and, later, such innovative products as chalk (1835); and postcards (1872). Today, Bowne & Company (211 Water St; 748 8651) is located in an 1830s print works opposite its original location in the South Street Seaport, and functions as a museum and working print shop. Well-to-do Upper East Side couples still come in to get custom-made wedding invitations and birth announcements made on vintage presses such as the 1812 Eagle and 1884 Albion